Wanted: a woman newsreader aged over 50 to save BBC from ‘ageism’ claims

Thursday 24 September 2009 14:16 BST

Older guard: Moira Stuart quit at 58 when she was moved from a flagship role

The BBC today attempted to defuse the growing ageism row by announcing it wanted to recruit a female news presenter over the age of 50.

In an apparent U-turn, director general Mark Thompson revealed he has set bosses at BBC News a 12-month deadline to hire a suitable mature woman candidate.

The BBC is under intense scrutiny after 66-year-old Arlene Phillips was replaced as a judge on the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. Singer and former winner of the show Alesha Dixon, 30, was hired instead.

Since Dixon's debut on Friday, fans of the BBC1 show have criticised bosses and claimed ageism.

Similar allegations were made two years ago when news presenter Moira Stuart, then aged 58, quit her post after bosses removed her as a presenter on flagship politics show Sunday AM.

Mr Thompson today also called on every BBC director to examine whether their departments should bring in more mature women presenters.

He has told BBC News director Helen Boaden to find the newsreader, and her department has already started talks with agents.

It is not yet clear whether the new recruit would work on BBC News Channel or the main BBC1 bulletins.

A source welcomed the move and said it was evidence of the BBC listening to audiences. But he speculated that the BBC could find it difficult to find the right person.

"It's a problem. A lot of people retired from presenting news for good reasons and don't want to do it again — or aren't used to a 24-hour news environment."

The BBC confirmed the search had begun but would not go into further detail. A spokeswoman said: "It's certainly true that Mark has spoken to Helen and other directors about the need to have a broad range of presenters on air — including older women.

"The news department has a pretty good story to tell with Kirsty Wark, Martha Kearney and Maxine Mawhinney all flourishing, as well as highly experienced women out in the field such as Bridget Kendall, Caroline Wyatt and Orla Guerin."

She added: "However, we'd be the first to say it's important not to rest on our laurels and ensure we reflect the public we serve. And of course this isn't an issue just for the BBC — other broadcasters face the same challenges."

Veteran broadcaster Joan Bakewell welcomed the move today, claiming the current position was "not representing the nation itself".

The 76-year-old told BBC Radio Five Live: "I am delighted. I felt there was a conspicuous absence of older women."